Back to the Bull fans, it's Dave Hendrick from EPL Index. Skybet are calling on listeners to step up and learn CPR today in just 15 minutes as they ramp up their support for the British Heart Foundation this heart month. Football is all about moments. A last-minute winner, a game-changing save, but off the pitch, every minute matters even more. Right now in the UK, over 30,000 people
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Oh, hello there, it's Tom. And Tom. Here from the Golf Is Ruining My Life podcast. If you love golf, but golf hates you, then you should probably drop in and have a listen, if I'm honest. Yeah, you really should. Obviously, we're the go-to podcast for anyone suffering the ongoing torture that is the game of golf. Right now.
we're also living our golf dreams. And I don't mean that golf dream about the talking rabbit with your nan's face who gave you that putt. What? It doesn't matter, nothing. Move on. So anyway, we've teamed up with PGA TOUR 2K25. Yes, indeed. And by the way, PGA TOUR 2K25 is rated Peggy 3.
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cheeky little spot of match play with your cousin in Australia, you can do that on PGA Tour 2K25. So good. So for exclusive early access to the game and loads more besides, come on over and join us, Tom and Tom, on Golf Is Ruining My Life, brought to you in... association with PGA Tour 2K25. We'll see you soon. Your nan's face on the body of a rabbit. What's going on there, mate? Nothing. It's definitely not a recurring dream I keep having at all. Full of frustration.
The whistle of Chris Foy ends 11 years of Premier League football for Bolton Wanderers. Full of despair. Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings have relegated Norwich. Two British football fans have had enough. London City head over heels for the US Open Cup. Hello and welcome to a brand new season of the MLS UK show. I'm Henry Hewitt and as always I'm joined by Elliot Holman. I'm still here. It's kind of our ideas, our thing, so I get to stay. Thanks. Yep, if one goes, we all go.
um we won't be getting any substitute hosts on this show we are here for the foreseeable um and major league soccer is back for a 30th year and we worked out we have been here for eight of them which is amazing Even that COVID season, which just seemed to be four episodes and then some random ones here and there. But this is the eighth season of the Major League Soccer and MLS UK show collab, if you can call it that. Elliot.
It's the most magical time of the year. MLS is back. Absolutely. It's like our Christmas, isn't it? New season just around the corner, literally happening this weekend.
Anybody else feel like it's just crept up on them a little bit? Is it the parenting? Is it the nursery pickups and all of that? It's really crept up on me. And... that's kind of nice because you know when you're waiting for something for ages and it drags and drags um all of a sudden i was like is this is it this week it's this weekend um and so here we go emergency call a meeting mls uk show back for an eighth season and um yeah we've got an early kickoff on saturday as well i've
I've squared it away. My mum lives three hours away. She's up because I can't, I can't be risking my daughter waking up at any point. She's going to, my mum's going to have to deal with her. Saturday night, MLS night.
We're back, baby. Yeah, well, eagle-eared, not eagle-eyed, but eagle-eared of you, and MLS UK show OGs will notice that we've gone back to the old theme tune. We've been here eight years. We had a meeting. As Elliot said, it was literally... the other day we're like oh yeah MLS is back of course we should really do the podcast and we spoke about it
And we thought, well, we'll do something just to take us back to the glory days of MLS UK show when we were together in the studio. Now it's remote because let's face it, as parents, we can't be spending an hour. driving to each other. So it has to be on Zoom, but no reason why we can't go back to those days. Elliot, you made the theme tune. You found the old voice of it. And I hope that, yeah, I hope that...
You know, if you've been listening to the MLS UK show for a while, I hope you enjoyed that. That'll be here for the full season, by the way. I actually, a little peek behind the curtain, and that's the only thing you get to peek at, because what I'm going to say is, I actually made that in bed. it's where i do my best work you know um
There's an IVF joke in there somewhere. But I made it in bed and even just delving back into my emails and finding the original voiceover that was sent to me in 2017. uh it just got me really excited I just thought we've actually been doing this for so long um and uh I was I was doing a little um I was part of like a meeting and doing a little talk on podcasts a couple of months ago. And one thing that someone said there was the average podcast lasts four episodes. Four episodes. People go, oh.
We should start a podcast. So here we are, slightly more than four episodes in, and I hope you're as excited as we are, because... I feel like we've got a clear run at it this year. Like, yeah, I'm getting used to this parenting malarkey. You know, got a lot more time. This is going to be my year for MLS. I'm so excited.
So if you are new to the MLS UK show, I feel should explain the theme tune full of frustration, full of despair. That was how we felt as I'm a Bolton Wanderers fan, Elliot's a Norwich City fan. That's how we felt watching our English teams. So we then turned to Major League Soccer. We still watch our English teams. The starter to my MLS main course on Saturday will be me going and watching Bolton Wanderers versus Leighton Orient in League One. Yes!
massive. So we still do watch them. We will reference them. But of course, we are really into Major League Soccer and we can't wait for MLS. 30. Something I also need to add, and this is for people who have listened to the MLS UK show, and we've had quite a few messages as we always do in pre-season. And we need to address this. This is our preview episode to the new season. But someone who you have been used to hearing in these preview episodes, sadly, will not be on this one.
But she will be on next time because Poppy's Kit Reviews return. For episode two of the series, we wanted to dedicate this episode purely to what is going on on the pitch instead of what teams are wearing. If you don't know, my wife Poppy has a very interesting take on the jerseys every single year. She will be back. next time uh and this is the point where everyone switches off and says i'll just come back next week um i know i know how popular poppy is um however
I think we've got a lot of soccer ball to talk about, a lot of moves, a lot of changes in MLS and a lot of things that are going to stay the same as well. And a few things that are really worrying me, like Atlanta United. So we're going to look at the Eastern Conference first, and then we'll look at the Western Conference later in the episode. So Elliot, you mentioned them there, Atlanta United.
What a close season it's been for my boys. I am, I'm so excited for this season. I've not been excited to watch Atlanta. Since, ironically, since Miggy left, this is the year he's back and I can't wait to see how they do this year. Some great signings. You're an Orlando fan. You must be worried. I'm worried because, I don't know.
Part of me enjoys it a little bit as well. I think the best situation, not just for this podcast, but for MLS and for fans of both teams is when both teams are firing on all cylinders. You know, when Atlanta were really at their peak, Orlando very much won. Whereas now we've got Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, three very, very good sides. And to be honest with you, Atlanta have made moves a lot more.
than Orlando, I would say. And they are definitely 100%. This isn't a difficult take. This isn't huge detailed analysis. They are a team to watch and a team to fear this season. Miggy coming back just warms the cockles, doesn't it? That just warms your heart. Miggy belongs in an Atlanta shirt. The ultimate MLS UK player. Played in the Premier League, played in MLS and has now gone back.
home to MLS. So, yeah, I'm excited to see what Orlando have got. Let's be honest, I'm a diehard Orlando City fan, but I just love soccer. And if we can... If we can have another team that are just mesmerizing to watch, bring it on because Atlanta United can this season be really, really exciting.
Yeah, with the signing of Latte Laff as well from Middlesbrough for a league record fee, which is incredible. $20 million. Yeah, the fact that MLS teams are spending $20 million to get players from England. Like Middlesbrough were doing okay at the time. They could have got promoted. They probably still can, but they can.
They can get promoted. They could be in the Premier League next year and Atlanta have took one of their players, their main striker. So yeah, if you'd have told us that eight years ago, Elliot, I don't think we would have believed you. But yeah, it's been a great...
close season for Atlanta, building on the positivity from the playoffs because if you go back and listen to how I was feeling at the end of last season, very despondent about Atlanta, just scraped into the playoffs with a win at Orlando, which I... did not think was going to happen, then I'm not even going to lie and say I had any hope that they'd go through against Inter Miami, which they did, after then knocking Montreal out as well. So, yeah, it was...
It was an incredible playoffs. Ignore the fact they lost then to Orlando, but an incredible playoffs. And they've just built on it. And, you know, I think we are going back to Atlanta. 1.0, that Atlanta that won MLS Cup where they are just going to be attack, attack, attack. Defense, I don't think Atlanta are going to concede the least goals in the league, put it this way, but...
I think it's going to be exciting. And I think as well, this Atlanta team is going back to what we used to at the bends when they're on the front foot. They are going to be great to watch. Can they go away to a... a Philly on a midweek game and win 1-0, grind that out? I don't think so. But at home, he could win 4-5 now. I think Atlanta are goals, goals, goals for me this season. Brad Guzan is an MLS UK.
Hall of Famer, of course. Premier League, MLS. He's boxed them both off. For me now, I think it was time. I think it was the time. And Atlanta haven't moved on from Guzan. the defence and the goalkeeping spot. I think it's just a fact. I don't think it's really up for debate. That is a weakness. And so you're going to concede?
You're going to score a lot of goals. It's going to be box office. It's going to be box office. Yeah, we did think after Guzan got that injury last year, that might be the last we've seen him, but it isn't. He's back. Well, let's move on to your team then. Orlando City. Of course, Torres, you lost him in the close season. You have made moves to replace him. How are you feeling going into this year? I don't think you replace...
Torres. I think if you look at the amount of goals that he scored for Orlando over two seasons, if you were bringing... Say he actually left two years ago. and instead you said, oh, we can bring in Messi, I think you'd be sceptical that Messi would score as many goals. Like, he was that instrumental. Obviously, Messi has arrived and has been incredible, predictably, but I think...
you'd be very hard pushed to bring in a player that's going to score as many goals, bring as many goal contributions to a team. So that's immediately a worry, regardless of who you bring in. Now... They have spent big money to replace him. It just remains to be seen because it's going to be really, really difficult. He's a tough player to replace.
Easily one of the best forwards in the league last season. And there was a lot of very good forwards in the league last season. So immediately that's a downside. And for me, fairly weak in depth. Orlando and we talk about this a lot and we always have done over the last eight seasons depth so important so much traveling so many plastic pitches
you know, a real high intensity in MLS these days as well. So depth is a worry for me with Orlando and it seems like Rodrigo Schlegel is still a starting centre-back. And we all know he's a better goalkeeper than he is a centre-back. Yeah, I think for Orlando, last year was the year. You know, that was your opportunity to get to MLS Cup.
You know, they just seemed all the teams above them in the regular season standings just were being knocked off in the early stages of playoffs. And then you got Orlando getting to that conference final at home against Red Bulls. and you blew it. I know Orlando have won a US Open Cup, but it does seem that Orlando are always the nearly men, and you've got to turn that around. You've got to get that final push.
It's going to be difficult this year because you'd fancy that those teams that finish above them, you know, if Orlando are finishing fourth or fifth again, I don't think you're going to get all four of them, teams above them, knocked out early doors in the playoffs. They might have been... bit of a freak situation, but...
Yeah, I think Torres is going to be a big miss. Obviously, a lot of pressure on the players they've brought in. Yeah, question marks over the defense as well. So I think there's a question mark over Orlando. I don't doubt you'll make playoffs. In fact, I still think you'd get your home game in the playoffs. But yeah, I just worry that last year was the year and then this year...
there's going to be a hangover from that. I think it's really fair. I think last year I was very vocal. That was the opportunity. And let's not forget, Orlando, the last few seasons have started terribly. Went on an incredible run.
in the back end of the last few seasons, which has got them into... the playoffs and got them a home tie but imagine imagine where they could have finished if they'd have started well so that's what I'm looking for from this side because this isn't this side isn't as strong So they are going to need to pick up points early doors because you can't be relying on this side, you know, going 10, 11 games unbeaten later in the year.
let's start strong let's try and start fast but certainly you're right last year was last year was the opportunity Well, there you go. We've got Atlanta and Orlando out the way so we can talk about other MLS teams now as we preview the new season. So if we're going to be in the East, I guess there's one place to go. the team that was uh supported shield winners last year they had the greatest regular season of all time in mls but then succumb to the mighty atlanta united
in the playoffs. Inter Miami are back. Messi's back. Suarez is back. Busquets is back. Jody Alba's back. They're all back. But this time they're being joined by a new head coach, their former Barcelona teammate, shock horror. Javier Mascherano. So Mascherano was Argentina's under-20s manager. They got to the quarterfinals in the Olympics last summer.
What do you think about this one? Because obviously Tata, there's a lot of issues reportedly behind the scenes, but he had that MLS experience. He has won an MLS Cup, whereas Mascherano... and hasn't got much experience in the head coach role. So where do you think Miami this season, can they match what they did last year and break records in the regular season? I think if you masked... Messi covered the badge and took away Mascherano and said, this is an MLS team.
It's a mystery MLS team who scored 74 points last season, record total, won the shield, scored... a broad range of goals from, you know, some very, very good attacks, looked really good. Can they do it again? MLS says no. History tells us no. And... They're going to have to go out and work twice as hard. You get found out in MLS very quickly. Messi is a very, very unique player because you know what he's going to do.
You just can't stop it. There's very few of those players in the world. He still has that ability now, even at this age. And he's grown his hair. He's gone back to like 2008 Messi, like Qatar Foundation era of Barcelona. absolutely here for it. Rolling back the years. Let's be honest, this is the best roster that we've ever seen in MLS.
It's a fact. This is absolutely stacked. It is absolutely stacked, but they've got to perform and they're going to have to repeat a season because MLS is just getting so good now. The levels... are so good. This Miami team, five years ago, I dread to think the damage that they'd have done. Now, there are teams, Atlanta United, who caused them problems last year. There are teams who can compete.
So they have to make it work in every aspect of the field. And they have to get across the line again. And they have to win. They have to win. They have to win it, surely. You can't have this roster and not win. Yeah, I mean, they've got to win with Messi in the squad, you know, and every year it goes by where they don't win.
then you're a year closer to Messi leaving. And I think if Leo Messi does leave without winning MLS Cup, that'd be a massive failure on into Miami's part. I think, you know, and I said this actually... We spoke to Andrew Wiebe at the end of last year and I said that to... I feel that Miami this year will be a bit of a cup team. I think that they'll concentrate. They'll get by. They'll obviously get playoffs. They'll finish quite high up in...
the Eastern Conference, but he wouldn't surprise me if he didn't win the Eastern Conference. I think they'll treat the cup competitions and think, whereas last year they smashed it in the regular season. and then fell short in the playoffs, they'll go, right, okay, let's analyze it this year. If we finish in the top four, we get two home games in the playoffs, in the first playoff stage. So really...
We just need to get there. So as a result, why waste, you know, Leo Messi towards the end of the season? Why not rest him? But I think what we need to remember as well with Inter Miami, and this is a... There's probably more pressure on them, far more pressure to do well in this than there is Seattle. You've got the Club World Cup coming up in the summer. Now, if Seattle lose every game and go out, no one notices. If Inter Miami do...
suddenly with Leo Messi, people are noticing. So I think that Miami will look at that. They'll look at, you know, that'll be their main focus in the first part of the season. you know, and then afterwards they'll concentrate on seeing where they can get in the conference. So, yeah, I think there's so many this year.
sort of these sort of little subplots that are happening. You know, and I think as well with the Champions League, that's already started. Miami beat... SKC this week 1-0 with Messi scoring when they finally decided to play the game I noticed they postponed it for a day because rumours were Messi didn't want to play in the snow and they'll want to win that as well of course they will so
You know, it's a big cup year for Miami, but if they end up winning MLS Cup at the end of it, then again, as we've seen last year with... you know, with the teams that made it to a lot of stages of the playoffs, apart from LA Galaxy, of course, but everyone else, it doesn't matter where you finish in the regular season. MLS Cup can be won by any, you could finish ninth.
in your conference and still win MLS Cup. Agreed. And I think no matter what they win, US Open Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Champions League. If Messi retires and hasn't won MLS, I don't think that gets forgotten. So they've got to get busy and they've got to get lifting that trophy. Who's going to rival them though? Where should we go next?
I think we've got to go to Cincinnati. They've made some interesting moves in the close season. Acosta has gone out. Evander has come in from Portland. Now, this is a real interesting move. Because we've seen for the first time this season that players are moving within MLS for money, like you would see in Europe. Evander did that moving from Portland.
uh you wanted to you've been delving into this a little bit more you wanted to talk about this what do you make of this move first of all and then the impact these sort of transfers are having in the league. Yeah, we've talked about this for the last few years, haven't we? Because we've seen, you've only got to look at Jean Duran, for example, who's already...
you know, moved to Villa and left again. We were seeing teams bring players through and them be incredible and play five, six games. The world talks about them and then they're gone. Because MLS didn't have the capability to make enough money from them by keeping them in the league. And ultimately, that was weakening the standard of the league because all of these players were... playing for the States or playing in Europe, and they'd come from MLS.
But MLS couldn't retain them. So this is a really nice approach from the league. This is the sort of thing that we've been asking for. So MLS clubs can now use an unlimited amount of funds to spend on... players that are in the league. So if Orlando wanted to buy Almiron from... uh atlanta they can spend as much as they like it doesn't come out of your tam or your gam like you can spend whatever you like and that player gets them gets a big money move gets a new contract
and they stay within the confines of MLS. And therefore, hopefully we're going to see talent stay a little bit longer. If a player, if a club want to profit off a player that they've brought through their academy, they can do, but they can sell it. to sell them to a team within MLS. Maybe they want to sell them to a team in the other conference. That would be understandable. But it's an important step, I think, from MLS. You needed to do something. to be able to convince players to stay.
Yeah, I'd agree with that. I think it's very productive, productive for the league. I await to see what Miami do with this. They've obviously, you know, we wait and see whether they are the big movers. i'm sure they will be at some point um but yeah since they have probably the main the main team that have done this. As I said, Acosta has gone to Dallas, I think, for about $5 million. Evander has gone from Portland to Cincinnati for more than that.
And as well, I think, you know, if you look at the Evander situation, the way he came out against Portland's owners after they were humiliated in the playoffs last year, I think it opens up for us fans this bit of interest where... You know, we see it in Europe all the time. If a player wants to move, they'll maybe say something in the press or they'll put some on social media. I think it makes it interesting, you know, and it's...
brings up the old villains and heroes and stuff. And if you could have a hero for your team, but then he moves to another team, like you said, in the same conference. So he just adds to that, I think.
mls is very unique in a lot of its ways and it definitely is with gam and tam and stuff like that but i think there are a few things it needs to bring that make it closer to europe and this is one of them um you know and and if we can start seeing this players staying in the league, players like Latte Laff moving from other countries, especially England to America for a big transfer fee.
then yeah, it'll make the league better. So I'm excited. Okay. Before we move to the West, anyone else from the East that you want to touch on? There's a few, actually. Columbus have been quiet in the closed season, surprisingly. I don't know. Are Cucho leaving and Cristian Ramirez leaving? I worry slightly for Columbus crew. However, we're Wilfred Nancy as head coach.
My worries are a bit, you know, gone a bit from there. You do trust that he will, you know, they'll be fine. I don't know whether they've got any plans. later on in the season, maybe in the summer, to make more of an impact. They brought in Lapalainen from Montreal, who's a decent player. But yeah, I mean, Columbus obviously won it two years ago. They were very disappointed last year.
to lose to Red Bulls in a bit of a shock, even though Red Bulls got to MLS Cup. Have you been surprised with Columbus's lack of... Well, the lack of transfers, really. You're coming in. Yeah, but I think it's exactly what we talk about with MLS. It's really hard to maintain the dominance. Nancy's a fantastic manager and will do a good job with a slightly weaker squad.
But this is what happens, you know. Players do well for you. Kucho was one of the best players in the league, 100%. Christian Ramirez was... Pretty solid as well, you can't deny. So, you know, you take those out and immediately they're going to struggle and you can spend the money, you can replace them, but it's hard to get. two players that are going to be hitting those same levels from week one and hit the ground running. So that's why we see these cycles in MLS.
I would be really surprised if Columbus were right up there, but Nancy's a fantastic manager and he's proved that time and time again and he'll get a lot from this squad. For me, he's the manager you want in charge. especially in a season where you've had a little bit of change. Let's go through a few of the headlines then from the East going into this season, just points that I've seen that...
are of interest. Philadelphia Union, without Jim Curtin, they've got Bradley Carnell now, who of course was at St. Louis, so that'll be interesting to see how he develops this team, this Philly team, because he did great. We sent Lewis at the start, less so last season. So we'll see. He's probably got something to prove. Robin Frazier, of course, was at Colorado. He's now at Toronto. So Toronto, a big season for them. They have been very poor the last few years.
New York City FC, I've got Pascal Jansen. So, you know, a new boss for them. 50% win record, at least a 50% win record in his last two jobs. So if he carries that on, then NYC FC. will be in the playoffs. Let's just for a moment chat about Red Bulls though. MLS Cup finalists last year missed out to LA Galaxy on picking up a trophy.
They've brought in Chupa Moteng, who's an interesting signing. He's had a good pre-season. I'm looking forward to seeing how he does. Where do you think we've had Bulls this year? Because no one expected him to get to MLS Cup last year. So... If they don't this year, I don't think it's going to be a very disappointing season for them. What are they trying to build on this year? Do they need to win MLS Cup or is it just to sustain playoffs and push in far?
I think they overachieved and they will be the first to admit they overachieved. They did very, very well towards the back end of the season. However, I don't look at them and think, yeah, there's no way they don't make MLS Cup again. You know, I think they're going to have to do the same again. They're going to have to overachieve again. Chupamoteng... To be honest with you, in the last eight, nine seasons, I don't think he's been fit enough.
and prolific enough and regular enough fitness wise so I think that could be a concern strange signing that uninteresting signing and so I think A lot is resting on health. Forsberg, of course, big player, but you've, again, missed a lot of games last season in chunks. So I think there's a lot riding on... big names who may not be able to play every single game and i think if they make playoffs again and win a couple of games in the playoffs i think that's a good result
So elsewhere, just to round off the East, then we've got Nashville and New England Revolution who have got second full seasons with, well, a first full season for BJ Callaghan, who's got...
BJ Callahan II, which is probably the most US name I have ever heard of in my life. Of course, Caleb Porter's at New England. They'll want to try and prove themselves this year after a very poor season last year. Montreal got a new head coach, Lauren Courtois. He's coming in from... crew uh columbus crew two um just to round off then i'm gonna
I messaged our pal of the show, James Graham, DC United Kingdom. So check out his podcast. Not even if you're just a DC fan, but if you're an MLS fan. And I wanted to hear his expectations for this season. So this is what he messaged back. said the big question for dc this year is where they will finish uh with all the personnel changes in the squad totally new goal goalkeeping department new defense midfielders attackers it's a true unknown
where they will finish. He thinks, though, that they will get in the playoffs. I mean, I'm going what James says. He's the expert on this. But DC, 10th in the East last year, missed out on... you know, on games one to Atlanta in the end to get into the playoff elimination. I don't know. I think DC are going to be probably in a similar position. I agree. And letting...
Matthias Klitschko was weird. Also, they really suffered financially in that deal. Terrible deal. Really, really bad deal. Don't understand what was going on there. So presumably something was up. behind the scenes, just desperate to get that move done at whatever the cost. Benteke was immense, absolutely immense. It just shows how bad they must have been, you know, when he finishes top scorer.
and they don't make the playoffs. And I haven't seen enough to suggest that that's going to change, unfortunately. So elsewhere, we've got Charlotte FC. We've got Wilfred Zaha. That should be interesting. He could be the signing of the season if that works out. And Chicago Fire. Well, they've got Greg Berhalter. They've got Jack Elliott as well from Philadelphia. who's been on the show before but um yeah i think
Chicago are cursed. I think they won't make playoffs and it'd be another, they could have anyone in charge and it'd be a poor season. We're eight years in, we've not seen them be any good at any point, which is crazy. That sounds like a joke, but it's true. Please, I'll talk about Chicago Fire till the cows come home. Is that a British saying? Do you say that in America and Canada?
when there's something encouraging to talk about, but they just keep proving that I just, they make big signings and it doesn't work out. They don't make big signings. It doesn't work out. They changed the coach. They moved back to. Nothing works, Chicago. I don't know what to say. I want you to be good. I do. But you're not good. Yeah, I can't add to that other than to say, let's go to the West.
Oh, hello there, it's Tom. And Tom. Here from the Golf Is Ruining My Life podcast. If you love golf, but golf hates you, then you should probably drop in and have a listen, if I'm honest. Yeah, you really should. Obviously, we're the go-to podcast for anyone suffering the ongoing torture that is the game of golf. Right now.
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cheeky little spot of match play with your cousin in Australia, you can do that on PGA Tour 2K25. So good. So for exclusive early access to the game and loads more besides, come on over and join us, Tom and Tom, on Golf Is Ruining My Life, brought to you in... association with PGA Tour 2K25. We'll see you soon. Your nan's face on the body of a rabbit. What's going on there, mate? Nothing. It's definitely not a recurring dream I keep having at all.
MLS UK Show with Elliot Holman and Henry Hewitt. Welcome back to the MLS UK Show. Right, now it's time to look at the Western Conference. And there's only one place to start, isn't there? The reigning champs. Six stars. They now have LA Galaxy style. By the way, I don't know what we're going to say at the end of the show. We didn't mention that in our pre-season meeting.
It was always LA Galaxy style, five stars only. They've now got six and Apple podcasts haven't updated or Spotify to six. Yeah, should have addressed that. I haven't. So we'll see what happens. Wish me luck. Well, let's talk about LA Galaxy then. They're looking to make it seven stars only this year. Do you see it happening? I think the West is and it isn't open for me. It's a bit of a weird one. Yeah.
I mean, they did what they did with Ricky Pooge missing, but of course he wasn't missing for as much of last season as he's going to be missing in this one. So a torn ACL. There's no amount of magic sponge or deep heat that's going to heal that any quicker. So they're going to be without him. Going to be relying on Marco Reus, of course. They've got Diego Fagundes for backup.
to Royce, who's not going to play every game, let's be honest. And something that I haven't seen too many people talking about, Paintsill, who I love. who just been so productive, so great to watch, is actually out for a couple of months at least at the start of the season, which is a little bit of a worry. Lost Jovalic, but he wasn't.
really instrumental um delgado's gone i i think they're still they're still going to be up there i think they're going to be in the conversation but it's going to be it's going to take big performances Because the roster will suffer versus the likes of Miami, potentially LAFC, Seattle. So it's going to be big performances. And they're capable of big performances. So it's an exciting one. It's intriguing, this one.
To be honest, I couldn't disagree with anything you've said there. That was actually probably where I was going to go with it is that... you know, they've brought in Christian Ramirez from Columbus, but, you know, Sean Davis from Nashville has a bit of MLS experience. But, yeah, I think sometimes for me...
When you win something, you need to push on. You need to move on. And okay, Galaxy will argue, well, we've got Ricky Pooge, we've got Pancel, and obviously they're not there at the start of the season, but they will be towards the end of it. So... I just expected just one, at least one big move or something that I could go. Ramirez might be that person, but, you know, I just expected maybe a bit more from Galaxy this close season. Delgado and...
Brueggemann has left as well. So that midfield looks a bit open to me. I don't know. I think Michael Royce is a great player, but he's 35. You know, they are going to have to ration his minutes a bit. So, yeah, I don't know with LA Galaxy. I don't think they're not going to make playoffs. I don't think we're going to have a capitulation like that. But I do think that... I do think they won't be there or thereabouts this year come the end of it. A team I do think will be at LAFC.
They've got Giroud, they've got Lloris, they've got experience there. They've also kept Denis Buanga. It's looking a solid side LAFC. I think they, for me, are going to... be the team in the West this year. Buanga is, I mean, there's no argument. The man is just fantastic to watch. Fantastic forward. Giroud wasn't really firing, was he? But we know what he's capable of. I just think you partner him well with...
with Buanga, you get both of those two firing somehow, it'll be so difficult to beat them. It'll be so difficult to pick up more points than them. also you know Steve Cherundulo um really really top coach done really well um I know that's wrong by the way but I can't I can't see it written down in my notes and not sing it um and uh you know
going into his third season. Um, and to be honest with you, um, fourth, fourth season, maybe. Um, he, he is a difference maker like Wilfred Nancy, um, for me. I think he's a real, real talent. And the US should definitely be looking in his direction, if I'm honest. But Buanga, Giroud, top coach. possession side, all out attack is what I want to see with Boanga, so positive all the time, wants to go forward.
Could be exciting this one. Yeah. And Ibobesi is coming from San Jose, which as a backup striker in this league is not a bad acquisition as well. I think Seattle are their challengers this year. The same names keep on coming up in this Seattle team. You know, even the head coach Schmetz has been there, what, since 2016, I think, 2015. So they've got the Club World Cup as well.
As I've said before, I don't think there's much pressure on them as there is into Miami. So I think they can just go and enjoy it a little bit. I don't think it's going to impact their league season. Seattle, I'm... I'm putting them as a challenge is just based on that. It's the consistency. These guys know each other. Let's look at the names. Fry, Nuhu.
the Roldan brothers, Morris, they've all been there. They've done it. Schmetzer knows what he's doing in this, you know, in MLS. I think they lost Western Conference final last year. Seattle seem at the moment to be going under the radar. And I think they did last year. They went into that game against Galaxy. No one really expected them to win. In fact, because Red Bulls won at Orlando, that suddenly made people think, oh, well, maybe Seattle can beat.
LA Galaxy, which obviously we didn't. But yeah, I just think that it's the consistency for me. He's putting Seattle up there. I mean, if you don't finish second, they will... finishing the playoffs, let's face it, and they could well finish in the top four. I mean, do you agree? Can consistency be a hindrance at times? Do we need freshening up a bit?
I don't think they need freshening up for as long as those players that they're being consistent with can all perform. So Jordan Morris last year, I mean, 32 games started. 13 goals. Needs to be doing more. They've got Jesus Ferreira was at FC Dallas. 14 games started. He's going to need to perform way more than that. Scored five goals. You know, for me, it's like great to be consistent.
But can those consistent players hit levels that are going to compete with a Buanga? That's the level. Miami with Messi, LAFC with Buanga, right? They're the levels now. So Jordan Morris, who's a fantastic player, and we've talked about year after year. I mean, how long has he even been playing for Seattle? Nearly 10 years? All of a sudden, you got to hit levels you've never hit before just to sustain a playoff place. So need a big season from Jordan Morris.
Big season from Jesus Ferreira, bigger than he did at Dallas last year. And I don't know if between them they've got enough. I just don't know. I can't... I think Seattle will do really well this year, but I don't think they challenge because I think that's too weak. I'm sorry. Well, moving then to our new side this year. which I've said before, I'm all for. I keep adding new sides every year because it's exciting. It's San Diego this time. They have brought in Mikey Varas, who...
He was Dallas's assistant once upon a time and was the US men's national team interim manager while Spurhalter took a little bit of an imposed break. I love... The thought of New Tides doing well. I love the thought of San Diego coming in and having a St. Louis kind of... opening season lafc years ago sort of season and you know not miami one obviously they didn't do very well in their first season um but i don't know for me i think um i think you've got to be realistic
right? And San Diego fans coming into the league, you can't expect to win supporters shield. It's very rare if ever that's happened. Playoffs would be a great season. I just think San Diego... Let's just enjoy it. Enjoy being in the league. Enjoy coming up against Leo Messi. Enjoy this season, this opening season. Get your feet under the table and then push on for next year.
Yeah, I think pre-St. Louis, this roster would worry me. But we sat here and we said, oh, St. Louis, there's not even any names we really know. No one's had any MLS minutes. And they were phenomenal. So, you know, let's... Let's not just write them off completely. There's a few familiar names in there. Godoy, who we know from Nashville. Paddy McNair, who hopefully is going to be a good...
MLS level defender for San Diego. And I just hope that they don't completely bomb, you know, Cincinnati style. and they can build because they have made smart um you know they have made smart signings they've drafted well and i think they've kind of thought about who can play well together um seen a lot of chat about that
players who pair well together. Maybe you haven't heard of both of them, but they pair well together. They complement each other. So there's been a lot of thought. They will have thought... long and hard about this way more than we have in the last two minutes on this podcast so given the benefit of the doubt um both their designated players should be big big players in in mls should be at a very very high level in mls but
You know, I'm seeing journalists raise concerns over the goalkeeper who's never really, you know, been consistent, never really started loads of games. You know, a number nine who's never really been a consistent goal scorer. These players have all got to come together and have the season of their lives just to make the playoffs. So let's see.
But welcome to the league, San Diego. I love it when new teams join. I love it. I love an expansion draft. I love an expansion season. Let's go. Colorado Rapids with Chris Amos. Probably... Well, did a lot better than what we expected with Chris Amos last year, making the playoffs. It's the second season for him. Can you do it again? I guess Rafa Navarro scoring goals will be key to them.
Yeah, you want to see them build, don't you? You know, final 16 games last season, they only won four. So, you know, that is... They lost their main centre-back, let's be fair, but that is the proof that it can all go very wrong very quickly. you need a coach who can turn things around. Now, we've talked a lot about Chris Amos on this podcast, and one thing we have definitely said is when he faces adversity, he struggles.
We saw that at Manchester United as well. I mean, he was sitting on the bench at Manchester United as it was all going wrong. Not all his fault, of course. But can he steer this ship back in the right direction? They have replaced, you know, they've not got that huge gap at the back anymore. However, it was difficult to watch at the end of last season for Colorado. So let's hope.
The Colorado of the first three quarters of the season turn up and I'm really excited to see what they can do. Yeah, I hope they do well. I hope Chris Amos gets his Hollywood ending. And one day wins MLS Cup and proves us all wrong. I love a happy ending. Don't we all? Right. Well, before I run through the rest of the headlines from the Western Conference, is there anyone else you want to talk about?
No, for me, it's a bit cliche, really, isn't it? It's like, it's the two LA sides who are really strong. Seattle, we've got the newcomers. as well um san diego and so yeah i think over the next couple of weeks we'll be able to examine some of the other sides and we'll be able to see who's maybe a bit of a surprise package uh maybe there'll be some teams who have let us down a little bit
versus our expectations. But we've got a whole season. We can dive into all of these at a later date. Yeah, well, I think the big news in the West really is the head coaches, of course, San Jose earthquakes of Brighton. Bruce Arena. They've also brought in Josef Martinez as well. So really interesting season for San Jose coming up. Peter Vermees at SKC. They've made a few good signings, but it's got to be the season. They've got to turn it around because...
We've kind of been saying on this podcast, haven't we, for a while, that Peter Vermees has probably had his time at SKC. Austin FC have brought in Nico Estevez, who of course was at Dallas last year. They've also brought in... Brendan Vazquez is a nice return to MLS for him. And Uzuni as well from Granada. I'm looking forward to seeing how he does. Dreyusi's gone out well for them, so he'll be a miss.
Let's see. FC Dallas, Eric Quill is their new head coach. They were six points off the playoffs last year. Not really what we've expected from Dallas in our time watching. They seem to be residents in that playoffs. So they'll be looking to do better. Houston Dynamo had a great few years under Ben Olsen. It's his third season. They'll be hoping for more of the same, if not better.
Minnesota United with Eric Ramsey. This is an interesting one. I think these could be dark horses. I love Yeboah. I loved him at the end of last season. Great player for them. They lost, obviously, 6-2. Amazing game to LA Galaxy in the playoffs. So we'll see if Ramsey can push them up into the table. Portland Timbers.
Phil Neville's Portland Timbers. There you go, Elliot. He can just have a little line on that. Will Phil Neville turn it around? Will he get them in the playoffs this time? Do you know, I don't think so. if I'm honest to be honest with you Evander leaving is obviously Huge. They've replaced him with David da Costa. He's not going to score the goals that Evander scored. And so they're going to have to find, you know, goals from elsewhere. Last year...
they were kind of carried by Evander. And to be honest, they were carried by their DPs. One of them is gone and Phil Neville's still in charge. You do the maths. So RSL then, they'll be looking to make the playoffs again. They lost out to Minnesota last time. And then we've got St. Louis City and Vancouver Whitecaps. Vancouver Whitecaps brought in Jasper Sorensen, who was recently Bromby's manager in Denmark.
They, I have a soft spot for Vancouver. A mate of mine have mentioned before, Johnny lives in Vancouver. He goes to watch Vancouver. So I hope we do well for him. St. Louis City, I don't think will do well. They've brought in Olive Melbourne, who was an Aston Villa player, interest here in the UK. I just don't see this going well. I would be very surprised if Melbourne is still there in October.
I agree. Not really being a prolific managerial career. It feels very random. Maybe he'll prove us wrong like Chris Amos did last year. But yeah. Not sold on St. Louis. No, they've still got a few of the players that, you know, big players that were there in the first season. Hopefully for them, the original will be better than the sequel season because last year they were 10 points off playoff.
elimination uh the eliminator so yeah i just don't see it happening no um i hope so i like st louis city i love the stadium i love the colors but uh yeah i don't think it's going to work for me Right, well, that's our preview of the West. I hope we've covered as much as we can do in the time that we've got. Let us know how your team will do this year.
We obviously are on YouTube. You watch us on there, stick it in the comments. We're also on your podcast provider. You know, if you're listening on there, then we're on all the social medias. Maybe I'm showing my age. I'm in my mid thirties now by calling them the social medias. We are still on X. We're still clinging on on there.
Blue Sky, TikTok, Instagram as well. So get wherever you find us. Message us. Tell us how your team's going to do. Who do you support? Are you new to the MLS UK show? Who do you support? And also, I mentioned before that... James from DC United Kingdom drops us a message. We are looking to get fans on the podcast this year. We used to do it years ago, even if it's just a quick voice note or a video.
message, something like that. So if you want to put yourself forward as the fan of your team, then get in touch at MLS UK show on all.
the social medias the social medias um yeah and when we started this podcast there was already a lot of teams in mls and it was really difficult to cover them all in the first episode now it's absolutely impossible so um you know if you're if you're thinking oh we've not even talked about my team or oh you you only just touched on drop us a message um and you know give us your thoughts
We'll happily jump on that next week and the week after, you know, we've got plenty of time, plenty of games, you know, a busy schedule as always with MLS and we'll get to it. We'll get to it. Don't worry about it. Exactly. So there we go. That is our MLS preview episode for the 2025 season. Next week, we will have the return of my wife Poppy to give her kit reviews and Elliot is having his first game.
of the 2025 season. We've had some belters over the years, so I'm looking forward to this one. It's a good one to start with. I'm excited about it. Well, thanks very much for watching. If you're on YouTube, don't forget to click the notification bell, subscribe and like the video, comment as well. Just put anything, it helps with the algorithms. If you listen on your podcast provider, then thank you very much.
If you would love to, well, we would love you to, but if you would also love to leave us a rating, tell us how you feel going into this season. Tell us what you thought of our preview episode. Then... Well, Elliot, there's one rule and one rule only. Yeah, you've got to give us five stars. It's five stars only. I want you to run. I want you to run to those stars and whack them up to five so fast it actually goes to six. LA Galaxy style.
I wondered where you were going with that. Right. I've been Henry Hewitt. And I've been Elliot Holman. See ya. This podcast is part of the Sports Social Podcast Network. Let's talk about something that might be keeping you up at night. Cybersecurity. According to Vanta's latest state of trust report, it's the number one concern for UK businesses. That's where Vanta comes in.
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